Statement from Attorney General Terry Goddard On Supplemental Border Funds for Operation Stonegarden

(Phoenix, Ariz. — Aug. 11, 2009) U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Secretary Janet Napolitano today announced an additional $30 million allocation for Operation Stonegarden this year. Arizona law enforcement will receive $7,223,737 of the funds, according to a statement released earlier today by DHS.

Operation Stonegarden provides federal funding to assist state, local and tribal law enforcement with critical Southwest border security initiatives, including efforts to prevent human and drug smuggling. These funds will supplement the $60 million in Stonegarden funds announced by Napolitano in June.

"Since the Mexican cartels have made Arizona the leading gateway for smuggling humans, drugs and guns, these additional funds are well-targeted," Attorney General Terry Goddard said. "We are strengthening border security in several respects, which include forging a closer relationship with our Mexican law enforcement partners. This money will be put to immediate use to protect Arizonans and fight border crime."